Tom Cruise: "Rock Of Ages" Is "A Blast"

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Tom Cruise is unleashing his inner rock star in Adam Shankman's upcoming musical "Rock of Ages" alongside Julianne Hough, and although the "Dancing with the Stars" champ may be a newcomer to acting, Tom says the gorgeous blonde is holding her own.

"[Julianne] is an enormously talented lady," Tom raved to Julianne's boyfriend, Ryan Seacrest, during an interview on Ryan's KIIS FM radio show, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," on Wednesday. "Great actress. And obviously, everyone knows her dance skills, but you just see as an actress how she's creating this character and really killin' it."

As for Tom, the legendary screen icon said he's "having a blast" getting his musical feet wet.

The 48-year-old star, who plays aging rocker Stacee Jaxx in "Rock of Ages," will sing Def Leppard's, "Pour Some Sugar On Me," as well as Bon Jovi's famed power ballad, "Dead or Alive," in the film, and Tom said he's "learning a lot" about vocal performance.

"I've always loved music, but… there's nothing like doing something yourself to give you a greater appreciation for what this art form is and it's fantastic," Tom told Ryan.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Julianne, who plays Sherrie Christian in the musical, also had nothing but good things to say about working with Tom when Access recently caught up with the dancer/singer/actress.

"'Commitment' does not sum up the whole Tom Cruise-ness. He is so unbelievable," Julianne told Access as she teamed up with Cesar Canine Cuisine and the American Humane Association to kick off the voting campaign for the first Hero Dog Awards in New York City late last month. "It's amazing."